With only one diner open so far, the crazy diner trend of 2011 may be running out of steam. Sure, Stephanie Izard still has The Little Goat, but the other big name in the trend has decided to switch it up. Time Out reports that Brendan Sodikoff has put the Ox Diner “on hold.” But never fear, as he has not one, but two more projects set to take its place. The first is Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf, a “European-style steakhouse,” which Sodikoff told TOC will be “more complex in nature than your traditional steakhouse.” The River North project plans to open in late October or early 2012, and will also serve as the home for the second concept.
Obviously taking a cue from his success with the Doughnut Vault — which was built in the back of Gilt Bar — Sodikoff also announced that there will be a burger joint in the back of Bavette’s. This is also very similar to M Burger, which has been expanding around River North in the back of Lettuce Entertain You restaurants. Sodikoff claimed the menu would be even more stripped down than M Burger.
To be perfectly honest, we were never quite sure where the diner trend was going, and are happy to see a restaurant attempt to shakeup the stale steakhouse model. As for the burger concept, we just hope the long lines won’t keep us from trying it.
Coming soon from Brendan Sodikoff: Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf [Time Out Chicago]
